Today is Good Friday. Happy Easter to all! Two months ago, I made a bold decision: after 14 years, I uninstalled the Facebook app from my mobile phone. I kept my account for specific purposes: staying in touch with family and high school classmates, and getting updates from travel groups. Using Facebook only on my desktop became a practical solution. No more scrolling during idle moments. It was a difficult choice, mainly due to the fear of missing out and the concern that nobody would notice my travel photos or thoughts. Yet, my motivation to regain control of my time was stronger.
Reflecting on My Facebook Journey
Looking at my Facebook memories, I realize how much I evolved personally. I joined Facebook in 2007 while starting my career. I had just begun working at a large international IT company, unsure if I would succeed. Moving to the UK, I spent the first two years doing low-paid jobs that I didn’t enjoy. My posts reflected this struggle: “Another day commuting to work, roll on weekend” or “Wife at work, enjoying PS3 and beer.” I was seeking empathy, quietly asking for validation.
By 2012, better-paying jobs changed my life. Posts about weekend trips and sightseeing replaced my earlier complaints. Earning more allowed us to buy a car, enjoy holidays, and take long weekends in the countryside. Between 2012 and 2017, Facebook became a platform for validation. I hoped friends would comment, “Hey, you have an amazing life!” Eight heart emojis often gave me the same satisfaction. Deep down, I knew my life wasn’t perfect, but I followed society’s expectations: a house, a car, a spouse, and a stable career. Facebook was the tool to seek approval, and I admit, I was addicted to it.
The Turning Point
In late 2017, I began a self-development journey. By 2018, I shared motivational quotes, videos, and insights on Facebook. I wanted to inspire others. However, I soon became addicted to notifications and the feedback from friends. Seeing love hearts triggered happy hormones, making me check posts every few minutes. Some friends started sharing personal problems with me, turning me into an emotional dumping ground. I was aware of this, yet the feeling of being needed also gave me satisfaction. The constant notifications negatively impacted my relationship and professional life. When my wife mentioned my phone usage, I reacted defensively — like a true addict.
Breaking Free
In January, I read a book by a Hungarian author explaining how social media affects our lives. She highlighted the impact of constantly showing perfect moments on Facebook. Some people feel anxious or depressed seeing others’ happy lives, especially during lockdowns. I realized that I needed to be more empathetic. She also recommended the Netflix film Social Dilemma, which shocked me and motivated me to uninstall Facebook from my phone. Suddenly, life became quieter. No notifications, no mindless scrolling. My productivity at work skyrocketed, and I gained 2–3 extra hours daily.
Finding New Habits
My wife, Renata, had started bullet journaling and pen-palling. I decided to join her. Writing in a journal and connecting with new friends through letters replaced mindless Facebook scrolling. I started reading more and writing this blog, something I never had time for before. I feel balanced and authentic. I no longer feel the need to fit into an online world where everyone appears perfect. I am me — Zollie.
Consider this: spending 3 hours daily on Facebook for 14 years equals roughly two years of life! Voluntarily given away. Social media can steal your time without your awareness. I still use Facebook, but only for essential purposes. I log in on my laptop, check what I need, and log out — all within 1–2 minutes.
Please use these platforms mindfully. If social media causes anxiety or problems in your work or relationships, uninstall the apps from your phone. Reclaim your attention and live in your own reality.
Valuable piece of writing for the people who are so much got addicted to social media letting most important things behind ..waiting for more useful posts like this to open the eyes of those who are blindly wasting their precious time for something useless without any limit..
Best of luck zollie for ur writings.
May god bless u always.stay happy.?☺️☺️
Thank you so much for the amazing feedback, I will continue providing value here and more content about reaching excellence in life. Take care Fathima
i absolutely love and appreciate facebook. in the first pandemic it helped me so much and i think each to his own. my young friend for example who has lost her grandma has appreciated message’s of support from friend’s that have seen her posts regarding her loss & i especially appreciate her posts on anxiety. i would never get rid of Facebook but i do appreciate anyone’s decision to choose.
michelle x
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Of course, until you find Social Media helping you in loneliness and you can separate the online world from real life, not causing you any issues like anxiety, please carry on using it. But the fact is, easy to become addicted and can spend 2 years in 14 years just hanging on Facebook as the example shows.